A few weeks ago I visited a woman who knew my great grandmother (known only by "Grandma Barnebey"). In a previous conversation with this woman, she told me about a platter handed down to her, from my great grandparent's hotel - the Central Hotel in Sumner, Nebraska. I believe she said her mother worked at the hotel and she has had this platter passed down to her. I was so overwhelmed I can't recall for sure, only that I knew she had it. While looking at and handling this platter, I was a bit surprised at my reaction. I was enamored listening to stories about my family (great uncles and aunts I remember from when I was very, very young) and my great grandparents. I surprised myself. As I held this platter, tears streamed down my face - something about a tie, a family tie - knowing that this platter was used in their hotel. I apologized for my reaction. After gaining my composure, I took photos of the platter and its markings. I have written to the Homer Laughlin China Co. (still in business), hoping to track down a little more information about this platter. Connie Edwards, the office manager, was able to enlighten me. She wrote, "The shape of this platter is Hudson. It was a shape that in time would include almost seventy different piece types and be decorated with different patterns. Your platter is undecorated and was produced in October 1914." I am looking forward to another visit.